Episode 9:

We're straight talking trauma. We look at childhood trauma and the impact it has on the developing brain as well as the effect on interpersonal relationships in later life. The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 trauma, PTSD and Complex-PTSD. We discuss how many children that have experienced trauma in childhood get misdiagnosed with ADD/ ADHD instead of Complex-PTSD. We look at Adverse Childhood Experiences, ACE scores and the long-term physical health impact of trauma. Allan discusses how people who suffer with mental illness due to childhood trauma have actually suffered a mental injury from what’s been inflicted upon them. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or contact [email protected]

Episode 8:

We're straight talking sexual abuse. In this episode local Councillor Chris Pender speaks on his experience of sexual abuse in childhood. Chris gives a voice to the often voiceless male sexual abuse survivor. He also discusses his experience of growing up gay, the homophobia he experiences every day and the experience of his own internalised homophobia at a young age. We discuss the grooming which is involved to earn the trust of children in sexual abuse and how the things not said can send as much of a message to young people trying to come to terms with their sexuality. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or contact [email protected]

Episode 7:

We're straight talking self esteem. The impact of low self esteem on our mental health, relationships and careers. We look at the difference between confidence and self esteem. How narcissism and arrogance can be a way of compensating for low self esteem. Unconscious resistance and "not being ready" for therapy. Why positive affirmations don't always work, the Irish inability to take a compliment and the infamous "notions"! Allan's obsession with Hamilton and Peter's wardrobe choices being dictated by what doesn't have baby vomit on it. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or contact [email protected]

Episode 6:

We're straight talking anxiety. We look at anxiety is, what is going on in your brain and body, why you get anxious and why anxiety is actually a good thing. Why social anxiety has helped us since caveman times, why it affects teenagers so much and the impact of social media on anxiety. Allan shares some tips to help with anxiety and Peter tells his brief foray into dog-napping. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or contact [email protected]

Episode 5:

We're straight talking suicide. We dispel many of the myths around suicide. Looking at what signs to look out for and how to have the conversation with someone you believe may be at risk. We also look at the shocking statistics concerning men and suicide. In the episode, Allan also shares his own experience with suicide. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or contact [email protected]

Episode 4:

We're straight talking the effect of coming out of lockdown and post covid-19 on our mental health. What it can lead to, will our lives change and what have we learned? We also discuss the importance of family, grief, the trauma for frontline workers, the impact on children, alcohol use and domestic violence. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or contact [email protected]

Episode 3:

The lads use the critically acclaimed TV series “Normal People” to discuss what affects the mental health of teens and young adults. Allan dissects the series from a psychological point of view and digs into the minds of Marieanne and Connell and reveals things about the characters we might have missed. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or contact [email protected]

Episode 2:

The lads talk about loneliness which is prevalent during the current times. We hear about the causes of loneliness in modern society and why it hurts from an evolutionary perspective. The difference between being alone and feeling lonely and also how we make new friends later in life. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or contact [email protected]

Episode 1: 

In the very first episode of this new podcast series we hear the story behind why Allan and Peter created this unique podcast, their time as part of the Irish Hip-Hop trio The Gudmen, hear their skills as well as why the group split up. We also hear Allan's fascinating story about how and why he became a psychotherapist. From growing up in a council estate in Kildare to running his very own full-time private practice. Follow Straight Talking Mental Health on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or contact [email protected]

Promotional teaser for the brand new podcast Straight Talking Mental Health.

This podcast is presented by radio host Peter Dunne and Allan Clarke, who just happens to be a psychotherapist. 

We want to get rid of the stigma around mental health and talk about everything that affects our heads from anxiety, depression, self-esteem, suicide, loneliness. We also look at mental health in popular culture and have guests telling us about the role of mental health in their lives and much more.

You can listen to us wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Email us: [email protected] 

We’d love to hear from you.